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We went to a launch event to celebrate the addition of the “Blue Ribbon Classics” menu to the p2b Bistro and Bar at the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside. The “Blue Ribbon Classics” menu is a collection of signature dishes by Eric and Bruce Bromberg, chefs and founders of the famous Blue Ribbon Restaurants. The Bromberg Brothers are known as the “Chefs to the Chefs” for their culinary excellence and chef clientele in their New York and Las Vegas restaurants, and they were recently named 2011 “Best Restaurateur” finalists by the James Beard Association.

The "Blue Ribbon Classics" Menu

So what makes this even more special? Vancouver is the only Canadian city selected for this Blue Ribbon-Renaissance partnership!

At this event we got to try every dish and cocktail featured on this menu. Here is the list:

Blue Ribbon Bites

• “Northern Fried” Chicken Wings
• Grilled Chicken Burger
• Smoked Salmon Toast
• Manchego and Mexican Honey Toast
• Sauteed Calamari
• White Bean Hummus Toast
• Grilled Cheese Panini
• Fried Rock Shrimp

Blue Ribbon Cocktails

• Hummingbird
• Michelada

At first glance, the menu looks ordinary. They are menu items that you can find at a lot of pubs and lounges. That perception stopped as soon as we tried them out. Overall, we were quite impressed by the quality, flavouring and composition of all dishes. They are ordinary dishes with a twist.

Some of our favourites include:

"Northern Fried" Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings: Love the matzo meal coating, so different from regular wing batter; adds a hint of sweetness to it.

Grilled Chicken Burger

Grilled Chicken Burger: The patty was made of diced/ground chicken, not just a piece of grilled chicken breast; therefore the patty was very moist.

Manchego and Mexican Honey Toast

Cheese, honey and toast: Who knew something so simple can taste this good. Whatever the special ingredients are, the house made honey makes the toast taste very good.

Fried Rock Shrimp

Fried Rock Shrimp: It’s like popcorn shrimp, you just can’t stop eating them! The cayenne mayo adds a kick to the shrimps.

We also tasted the two featured cocktails and they are both refreshing. Michelada has a bit of heat from the hot sauce and jalapeno garnish; Hummingbird is light with a hint of lychee (although it’s not one of the ingredients).

All in all, the dishes may be simple but consistent quality is also important to a successful menu. I think this is a great selection for happy hour or appetizers at an evening gathering. The venue, p2b Bistro, is gorgeous with floor to ceiling windows and a Coal Harbour view. It’s like a patio seating without having to go outside.

Event guests enjoy food and drinks

Even better news. At the event we were given a flyer that all day every Tuesday, guests can combine any one of the “Bites” with “Cocktails” for $12. I looked at the menu, cocktails alone could easily cost you $9-10, and the “Bites” range from $6 to $13 a plate. Keep in mind that the food was passed around canape style at the launch event, so I don’t know exactly how big the plate is, but I can’t imagine it would be that small. Probably think appetizer size would be a safe bet.

I had also taken a few minutes of Chef Bruce Bromberg’s time at the event and asked him a few questions. Check back for my next post where you will find out the inspirations behind the Bromberg Brothers’ food and their culinary career.

Joyce and Chef Bruce Bromberg

p2b Bistro & Bar
1133 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
604-691-2777
p2bbistro.com

Check out other pictures taken at the event, including pictures of all menu items: